by Taras Ford
Trish kissed him in her sweet way. “I think that becoming your wife will be a good thing. No, a great thing! I can’t wait!”
“Well, let me propose to you properly first,” he said, kissing her softly. “We’ll discuss it with Dr. Percy, and then—”
A knock on the door stalled his words in his throat. The door cracked open, and Sydney stuck her head in. Trish stood up, the grin wide and bright to her face. Sydney entered the room with Portia behind her. “I was just saying that I missed you guys!” she said excitedly, pulling them into a group hug.
Todd discreetly left the room.
Sydney broke the circle. “How are you feeling, sweetie?”
“Much better.”
Portia touched Trish’s long, shiny hair. “You look great, Trish. I’m so happy to see you like this!”
“Did you two come here together?” Trish asked.
The girls exchanged sheepish glances. “Yeah, we did,” Portia said softly.
Trish pointed to her painting. “I’m making great progress. Look at this.” Sydney stared at the canvas, admiring the brilliant coloring and expressive shapes. It reminded her of the paintings hanging in their apartment. “Beautiful,” Sydney said.
“Gorgeous,” Portia added.
Trish lowered the painting. Portia looked at Sydney, who avoided her eyes. On the ride in the limo, Portia had asked about her life with Nolen, but Sydney had responded only to neutral subjects. The tension between them was evident. They both tried to fight against it.
“Trish, I need to tell you something,” Portia said hesitantly.
Without saying a word Sydney gave Portia the nod to do what she agreed to. Trish must have sensed what was to come next. She touched Portia’s hand. “I know he didn’t rape you, Portia.”
“You do?” Portia asked.
“I love him. I know about his past and the things he did with his models, but he’s not a monster. He could never be a rapist.”
Portia looked pained. “I’m sorry for hurting you.”
“It’s ok. Todd was guilty of hurting you. Abusing your trust. What you did and said, you did out of love.
That’s how I see it.”
Careful to give them their moment Sydney watched but said nothing. Trish reached back for Sydney’s hand pulling her toward them. “If I can forgive Portia, I want you to try to as well.” Sydney shook her head. “It’s not about me, sweetie. It’s about you getting well.”
“Getting well is having my family back, and that’s you two. Please end this war and try to love each other again. Will you try?”
Portia smiled sweetly at Sydney. “I’m willing if you are.”
“I need time,” Sydney said.
Trish gave her a hurt puppy-dog look.
“Fine,” Sydney snapped, looking sideways at Portia. “I won’t hate you anymore. How’s that?” They both looked at Trish, who winked at Portia. “It’s a start!” Trish said.
The nurse’s station was a safe place to watch Trish’s room. Until he heard from Nolen he wouldn’t let anyone near it. He’d already pitched a big enough fit to remain a guest of the facility along with his girlfriend, something frowned upon by the administrators. When he looked up again Nolen approached from the other end of the hall. He went to greet him. “Hey, man. Thanks for coming.” Nolen hugged him. “How is she?”
“Trish is great. Each day she grows stronger.”
“Good. Took care of that problem for you. They won’t be bothering you again.”
“Man, thank you so much. I know I need to deal with my dad, but he brought up Casey Welsby. I can’t have him spouting that shit around Trish.”
Nolen shook his head. “Come clean with Trish about everything. It’s the only way to free yourself from the hold your dad has over you.”
Todd nodded. “You’re right. I will.”
“Is my lady here?”
“She just arrived. The girls are trying to heal their friendship.”
“Good. Let me buy you a cup of coffee and I can tell you how your dad almost pissed his pants when I mentioned the Ellison Commodities land deal.”
Todd laughed. “Sure,” he said, glad to have Nolen in his corner.
Chapter 26
Moving On
Seven weeks later, and Sydney was physically exhausted. Rehearsal had been grueling, but she felt exhilarated. Today Nolen faced the grand jury to determine whether the government had a case. Sydney watched the news. Three people in Nolen’s company were facing stiffer charges from the SEC. All three denied that Nolen or his executives knew anything about the securities fraud for Delstar. When she asked Nolen about the charges, and the debates on every syndicate channel over his role in it, he remained silent, dismissive. Finally she forced him to give her an answer why Scott Harris claimed Nolen had shared no insider information on Delstar. Nolen only smiled and said, “It’s because he’s a smart man.” She’d left it at that, not wanting to know what being a dumb man meant.
Their future hung on the grand jury’s findings, and she was a nervous wreck. She had begged him to allow her to attend the hearing, but he’d refused. After pouting, arguing, and seducing him hadn’t worked, she’d finally given in, settling for his promise to call her as soon as he knew something. All day at the studio she’d checked her phone, but Nolen never called.
Unable to wait any longer, she’d invented an excuse to leave an hour early. When Charles picked her up, she’d asked if he’d heard anything, but he hadn’t. It was all so damned frustrating.
Over the past weeks, despite long hours at the studio preparing for a summer opening, she’d checked in with Trish regularly. Today Trish would be released from Sail Brooke, and Sydney remained hopeful the worst was over. When she’d last spoken to Todd, he’d told her the therapy did wonders for her recovery. Trish’s doctors had placed her on an antidepressant. Sydney didn’t want her friend medicated, but Trish was improving so she set her worries aside.
She’d lied to Trish when she’d said that she would forgive and forget what Portia had done. Even though she loved Portia and wanted the best for her, she refused to allow room in her life for people who didn’t return that sentiment. Portia would always be about Portia, so Sydney had closed her heart to a person who’d been her friend since childhood.
Portia, of course, hadn’t liked that decision and had actually come to the studio, asking for a lunch date to work through their problems. Sydney had agreed to meet her, but as she listened to Portia talk about how they could start over and how maybe Nolen could help her get another gig, her heart broke. Portia had turned an extended olive branch into an opportunity for her own personal gain. Sydney made it clear she would tolerate Portia around Trish, but their friendship was over.
Portia cried in protest, but Sydney remained unmoved. The last time they’d spoken had been over a week ago, when Portia called about the rent and utility bills. Sydney agreed to drop off the check and hung up.
For her, moving on meant leaving Portia behind.
The penthouse, empty and silent, only made her anxiety heightened. She dropped her gym bag in the foyer and went to the wall table across the hall. On top sat an envelope with her name etched in calligraphy. She stared at it for a moment. He couldn’t have possibly come back so soon, could he? What if it was from Annemarie, and he’d been indicted and re-arrested? Opening the envelope with trembling hands, she pulled out the note, unfolded it, and read.
Butterfly,
Tonight everything changes for us. I can’t wait to show you how in a million different ways. Charles will be ready as soon as you’ve changed. Your clothes are on the master bed. Don’t keep me waiting too long.
Your biggest fan
Sydney’s heart swelled with joy. Well, I guess that means that the hearing went OK, she thought. No wonder he wouldn’t answer my phone calls. He was planning one of his games. She was a little miffed that he’d made her wait all day to hear the news on his trial, but she was more than ready for a seduction. It had been a while since they’d sli
pped away to enjoy themselves.
She pulled off her yellow turtleneck as she entered the bedroom. Shaking her curly afro free, she saw a dark blue cocktail dress lying on the bed. She picked it up and held it in front of her. The chiffon overlay was encrusted with dark stones over the silky fabric. The straps, made of the same jewels, connected in a chainlike pattern that went all the way down the low-cut back of the dress. The scooped neckline would expose her breasts in the way that he preferred, and the hem draped lightly at the knees.
Midnight-blue colored sandals with ankle straps lay on the bed next to the dress. She could swear that the heels got higher each time he chose a pair for her. Laying the dress back down on the bed, she headed to the bathroom to shower and do her hair. Tonight they could begin their lives anew. Finally it was all about their love.
Trish stood at the door, holding several bags and art supplies while Todd worked on the locks. “Todd, it’s heavy,” she complained.
“Hold up. Almost done.” He clicked the lock and slid the heavy door open, grinning at her mischievously. “After you.”
Trish laughed and pushed past him. “Finally,” she huffed.
The room was lit with large white candles everywhere, and white rose petals scattered on the marble tile floor. “Sweet Jesus!” she said, dropping her things.
Todd closed the door and came up behind her. “Welcome home.”
“How did you—?”
“I have my ways,” he said, slipping his arm around her waist and pulling her against him. Facing the wall above his large fireplace, surrounded by candles, was a six-foot-tall close-up of their faces pressed together, grinning at a camera that was only inches away—the photograph they’d taken the night she’d found his camera and chased him around the studio taking his picture. White roses surrounded the giant photograph, and a beautiful banner above it read, “I love you!”
Trish wrapped her arms around Todd’s neck, hugging him tightly and kissing his face as she cried happy tears. “It’s beautiful.”
Todd returned the kiss and hug. “I need to talk to you.”
“Ok.”
Todd led her to the large red pillows he’d arranged under the portrait so that they could relax in front of the fireplace. She plopped down, sitting Indian style, and he lowered himself to her side, stretching out and propping himself up on his elbow. Trish ran her fingers through his hair.
“I love you, Trish. With you, I’m a changed man.”
“I know.”
“What I mean is, before I met you, I was a different man. My father’s cruelty took hold of me and caused me to do some things that I’m not proud of.”
Trish removed her fingers from his hair and looked at him questioningly. “What do you mean? What have you done?” she asked cautiously.
Todd sighed deeply. “In college, after a night of drinking, I took a young woman back to my dorm and had sex,” he mumbled, avoiding her eyes. “Two days later I discovered that she was actually a fifteen-year-old high school sophomore. Her parents found out and had me arrested. I was charged with statutory rape. My father paid off the judge to reduce my sentence and the charge.” Trish sucked in her breath. “I don’t understand.”
“I was a different man, Trish, a foolish, arrogant knucklehead, and I need you to forgive me for not telling you this sooner. I want us to be completely honest with each other, so I’m stepping out on faith now and telling you the most painful truth.”
Trish shook her head, blinking away her tears, and put both hands to her temples, squeezing her eyes shut tightly. He wanted to reach for her, but decided to leave her alone.
She stood up, clenching her hands into fists as she kept them to her head. “I love you, Todd. But rape?
God, anything but rape!”
Todd stood slowly. “I want to say that I didn’t know she was underage because that would be true, but after all the drinking and carousing, I don’t know if I would have cared. So, instead, I’ll say that I used my money and my father’s influence to escape justice, and that makes me guilty of many things. I made someone a victim, and I can’t change that, but I think everything happens for a reason. Why did God bring a special woman like you into my life? The life of a man who’s done nothing but abuse women emotionally, without remorse?” He walked toward her, smiling weakly through silent tears. “I’ll tell you why. It’s because, through you, I’ve healed the monster in me that I’ve tried to avoid all of my life. Your love is the only thing that saved me.” She nodded. “You accepted my good and my bad. I’ll try to do the same for you.” Todd touched her face. “I would never hurt you in that way. I hate having to reveal that dark part of my past, but it’s the last shadow, Trish. From this moment on, we’re complete and safe in our love. No one can tear us apart again.”
“Yes, we’re complete, and I’ve always been safe in your love.” Todd reached into his pocket and got down on one knee. “Patricia Annie Hesser, will you do me the honor of being my wife?” he asked, holding out a velvet-covered box, which he opened to reveal a solitaire sparkling on a platinum band.
Covering her mouth in shock, Trish stared at the ring. “Todd . . .”
“Yes or no?”
“Yes!” she said, crying tears of joy.
Todd fell back onto the large pillows, laughing as the ring box fell out of his hands. She kissed his face and then his lips. Todd rolled her over and began kissing her. He would hold on tight to their love and never let it go.
The limo pulled up to the Yachter’s Club, an exclusive harbor in Lower Manhattan. Why on earth would he bring me to the harbor in thirty-degree weather? she wondered.
As the driver opened the door and the wind blowing off the Hudson River rushed in, she felt her hair sweeping away from her face. For once she was glad to have the mink coat, which covered the flimsy dress she wore underneath.
Charles smiled at her and tipped his cap. “Mr. Adams is waiting for you.” She looked past him at the sleek white yacht, with its modern pointed bow. The windows lining its sides were tinted black, giving it a stealthy look. She saw Nolen, dressed in black, watching her from the upper deck.
The shadows blocked his face from her view, but the sight of him with the setting sun behind him made her heart sing.
He pulled his hand from behind his back, revealing a single red rose.
“Good night, Charles,” she said, stepping away from the limo.
“Good night, ma’am.”
Sydney headed down the dock to the boat, keeping her gaze trained on Nolen the entire time. The captain greeted her, helping her step on board and leading her inside to the lower deck where soft music was playing. Flowers covered the tan and royal blue furniture.
Nolen entered the cabin. Sydney wrapped her arms around his neck. “They threw out the case, didn’t they?”
He kissed her gently. “I told you I’d take care of it.”
“How?”
“Do you really want to know?” he asked, looking into her eyes.
She shook her head. “You can have that secret. I’m just glad it’s over!”
“Yes, babe, it’s over.”
Nolen let go of her and stepped back. “Now, let me look at you.” Sydney removed the coat, tossing it onto the sofa cushion.
Still holding the rose, Nolen eyed her appreciatively. “Dare I say you’re the prettiest woman in Manhattan?”
Sydney laughed. “You can say whatever you like, Mr. Adams.”
Nolen passed her the rose. “I held this all evening, waiting for you.”
“Why is that?”
“Because its beauty and simplicity reminded me of our love and how perfect our life will be together.”
“Really? You’ve had time to reflect on our future?”
“It’s all I’ve thought about since you gave me a second chance.” He took her hand and kissed it.
“You’re worth a million chances, Nolen,” she said softly.
“Come with me,” he said, leading her to the middle deck as the boat g
lided smoothly across the waves. A view of the bay through the dark-tinted windows made the small, intimate quarters even more romantic. Bottles of champagne chilled next to a large sectional lounge with sofa cushions.
“Whose boat is this?” Sydney asked.
Nolen laughed as he reached for the champagne and started unscrewing the cork. “Ours.” Sydney looked at him, astonished. “You own this boat?”
“It’s a Navetta motor yacht,” he said, uncorking the bottle, “and I’m thinking of naming it after you.”
“After me?”
“Black Butterfly.”
She smiled. “You’ve never let that go, have you?”
“Of course not. You’re my butterfly, and I’ll never forget the first time you spun across that stage and spread your wings. I was hooked.”
She hugged herself to be sure that this fairy-tale romance was real.
As he filled their champagne glasses with the sparkling, golden liquid and handed her a glass, Sydney felt the sway of the boat and turned to look out the window at the city under the orange glow of the evening sky. “I remember my birthday dinner when you told me that I’d be yours,” she said. “Guess I should have taken you seriously.”
“So, are you mine?”
“Forever and always.” she confessed.
Nolen kissed her bare shoulder. “That’s not long enough,” he said, burying his face in her freshly shampooed hair.
She closed her eyes and leaned back against him, feeling his warmth and smelling his cologne. Raising the glass with her eyes closed, she drank the champagne, smiling as the bubbles tickled her nose. Then she felt something hard hit her lip.
She opened her eyes. Holding the glass up to the skylight, she saw a four-carat princess-cut diamond on a platinum band, with smaller diamonds on either side. The champagne bubbles twirled around it as it sparkled brilliantly.
“Nolen?”
He moved her hair aside to kiss her neck. “Sydney Allen, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
“I love you. Of course I’ll marry you!” she exclaimed.
Nolen slid his hands across her bare back, stopping at the roundness of her rump, gathering the thin fabric of her dress in his palm. He pushed her hips into his and kissed her. Finally breaking their passionate embrace, he put his forehead against hers. “Let’s see if it fits.” He slipped his fingers inside the champagne flute, taking out the ring. The jewel’s beauty had her mesmerized.